What Penny Hardaway said when asked about Memphis basketball job after Tubby Smith fired

First-year Memphis East coach Penny Hardaway coached East to a 52-32 win over Blackman in a TSSAA state quarterfinal game on Wedneday.
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Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
(Photo11: HELEN COMER/DNJ)

MURFREESBORO — Penny Hardaway was tight-lipped Wednesday about speculation that he will soon be the next men's basketball coach at the University of Memphis. But at least one rival thinks it's a good idea.

"I think he'll be a phenomenal coach," Whitehaven coach Faragi Phillips said at the TSSAA boys state basketball tournament. "Obviously he's a good friend of mine and I think he'll do well. His ability to prepare and have his kids (ready) to face their opponents is what's so, so impressive to me."

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Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway (left) questions an officials foul call during action against the College of Charleston at the Advocate Invitational in Orlando Sunday, November 25, 2018. Mark Weber/Commercial Appeal

Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway speaks to a crowd gathered at the Classic Parade along Park Ave presented by the Orange Mound Parade Committee on Sept. 9, 2018. Thousands lined Park Ave to see the parade that featured area high school marching bands among numerous other marchers. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis head basketball coach Penny Hardaway (left) and Memphis Grizzlies head coach J.B. Bickerstaff (right) were the featured guests at the Memphis Chambers The Game Plan of Memphis Basketball event on Sept. 5, 2018. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway holds a press conference at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center on July 10, 2018, before heading out on a recruiting trip to Peach Jam. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway watches his tee shot on the 4th hole during the InnerWorkings Pro-Am at the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind on June 6, 2018. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway talks with a Pamela Madu (left) and her daughter Elechi , a St. Jude patient, during a tour of the research hospital Thursday morning. Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis new head coach Penny Hardaway (middle) jokes with Providence head coach Ed Cooley (left) while scouting players on the Bluff City Legends team during Nike EYBL games in Irving, Texas, on April 20, 2018. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

April 10, 2018 - Penny Hardaway, the new University of Memphis men's basketball coach, throws the first pitch at the start of the Memphis Redbirds game against the Omaha Storm Chasers during opening night at AutoZone Park on Tuesday. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway (middle) greets form Tiger players before being introduced as the University of Memphis' new head basketball coach at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center Tuesday morning. Hardaway, who a standout player at the U of M from 91-93, will take over for recently fired head coach Tubby Smith. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway holds up his old jersey with AD Tom Bowen (right) while being introduced as the University of Memphis' new head basketball coach at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center Tuesday morning. Hardaway, who a standout player at the U of M from 91-93, will take over for recently fired head coach Tubby Smith. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

A crowd of fans gathers around Penny Hardaway during a news conference at the the University of Memphis to announce the former Tigers star as its new men's basketball coach at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East coach Anfernee Hardaway becomes emotional after his team's win over Whitehaven in the AAA championship game on March 17, 2018, at the Murphy Center Complex in Murfreesboro. Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East coach Anfernee Hardaway joins his players in celebrating their win over Whitehaven during the AAA championship game on March 17, 2018 at the Murphy Center Complex in Murfreesboro. Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East Coach Anfernee Hardaway watches the action during his team's AAA championship game against Whitehaven on March 17, 2018, at the Murphy Center Complex in Murfreesboro. Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East Head Coach Penny Hardaway gestures during a Division I Class AAA semifinals game between Bearden and Memphis East at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Friday, March 16, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Memphis East coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway hurdles with his team during a break in the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches works with Alex Lomax (2) near the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Memphis EastÕs head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway wears special Hey Penny shoes as he coaches during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

February 21, 2018 - Penny Hardaway, head coach of the East High School boy's basketball team, watches his team compete against Whitehaven during the first half at Whitehaven High School on Wednesday night. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

February 21, 2018 - East head coach Penny Hardaway talks to his team during a timeout against Whitehaven during the first half at Whitehaven High School on Wednesday night. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway watches the projection of images from the Civil Rights and Vietnam War era at the National Civil Rights Museum Jan. 14, 2018, during a tour. Hardaway is among this year's Legacy Award honorees alongside Sam Perkins, James Worthy and Swin Cash. Jim Weber

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway walks the balcony at the Lorraine Motel during a tour of the National Civil Rights Museum Sunday afternoon. Hardaway is among this year's Legacy Award honorees alongside Sam Perkins, James Worthy and Swin Cash. Jim Weber

Former Memphis Tiger great Penny Hardaway (left) hits his ball from the deep rough on 10th hole while playing in the InnerWorkings Pro-Am at the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind on June 7, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

June 25, 2016 - Cora Yoder, of Memphis, watches her 11-year-old son, Joshua, have his t-shirt autographed by former University of Memphis superstar Penny Hardaway at the conclusion of the second annual Memphis basketball alumni game at Elma Roane Fieldhouse Saturday. The Blue vs. Gray game was hosted by former players Kemp and Jeremy Hunt. (Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal) Yalonda M. James, The Commercial Appeal

Memphis East's assistant Coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway former NBA player coaches on the sidelines during the State Tournament Quarterfinal game against Hillsboro , on Wednesday March 16, 2016, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

June 27, 2015 - Former Memphis standout Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway looks to his teammates before taken the court for the school's first basketball alumni game at Elma Roane Field House. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

July 18, 2014 - Team Penny head coach Penny Hardaway (right) looks on from the bench as his team battles the Texas Titans to a 85-82 victory during the EYBL finals at the Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Mark Weber, Mark Weber

July 17, 2014 - Team Penny head coach Penny Hardaway ( right) jokes with his players after defeating the NY Lightning 86-70 in their game of the EYBL finals at the Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Mark Weber, Mark Weber

March 8, 2014 - After hitting his third consecutive three point shot Memphis' Chris Crawford (middle) is by congratulated former Tiger Penny Hardaway (left) as the crowd cheers during second half action against SMU at FedExForum. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Mark Weber, Mark Weber

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway shakes hands with players from the Lester Middle School basketball team before the start of a press conference April 24, 2012, to announce that Methodist University Hospital will be providing Hardaway's youth program Penny's FastBreak Courts use of its basketball facility. Mike Brown / The Commercial Appeal

April 24, 2012 - Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway shakes hands with players from the Lester Middle School basketball team before the start of a press conference to announce that Methodist University Hospital will be providing Hardaway's youth program Penny's FastBreak Courts use of their basketball facility. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) Mike Brown, The Commercial Appeal

March 22, 2012 - Former NBA star Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway talks about a painting depicting the highlights of his basketball career framed in pennys during an interview about life after the NBA at his home in Southwind Thursday morning. (Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Jim Weber, Jim Weber

July 28, 2010 - Penny Hardaway, left, along with hundreds of bystander gathered where Memphis Police locked down an area on Callis Cut Off Rd where the body Lorenzen Wright has been found Wednesday afternoon. Mark Weber, Mark Weber

August 21, 2008 - Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, and University of Memphis athletic director RC Johnson unveil The Anfernee Hardaway Hall of Fame after announcing that Hardaway had one million dollars to the school at a press conference Thursday August 21, 2008. Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal

November 23, 2001 - Phoenix Suns #1 Anfernee Hardaway knocks down Memphis's Shane Battier( on his way to the basket during Friday evening's game at The Pyramid. No foul was called on this play. Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal

Orlando Magic's Anfernee Hardaway drives around San Antonio Spurs' Monty Williams during the first half in San Antonio on Thursday, March 27, 1997. San Antonio won 97-93. CHARLES BARKSDALE, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Orlando Magic guard Anfernee Hardaway frowns as he leaves the court after the Magic lost to the Boston Celtics 99-92 on Sunday afternoon, April 30, 1995 in Orlando, Fla. Hardway led all scores 26 points. Steve Simoneau, ASSOCIATED PRESS

June 17, 1997 - Former University of Memphis Tiger Penny Hardaway tries to fight his way through the throng of youth who line the barricades to get a glimpse of the NBA star. Hardaway and his Knicks were featured in the nightcap as the Bluff City Classic opened league play. Shoun A. Hill

August 30, 1996 - Olympic gold medalist and Melrose High School grad, Rochelle Stevens greets Penny Hardaway at a celebration honoring local athletes who won gold at the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta. Hardaway, a Treadwell High School product and UM Tiger, was the third overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft and spent 14 seasons in the league. The event in front of City Hall at 125 N. Main lauded Stevens, Hardaway, soccer player Cindy Parlow and basketball player Nikki McCray. Hardaway, a Treadwell High School product and UM Tiger, was the third overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft and spent 14 seasons in the league. (Steven G. Smith /The Commercial Appeal)
Steven G. Smith

"I can't," said Hardaway, who arrived in the interview room well after players Alex Lomax and James Wiseman, when asked if he was in talks to become the Tigers' next coach.

"Because I'm at East right now. I want to be able to focus on East right now ... I'm with these guys; I'm invested in them.

"We hear the noise (speculation); they hear the noise but they've never heard me bring anything up. They know what I'm about and that's this third gold ball. I'm not focusing on anything else outside of that."

And his players didn't seem to be distracted against an opponent that headed into the game with a 32-0 record. East (27-3) trailed by three points after the first quarter, posted a shutout in the second quarter and gradually extended its lead after taking a 23-12 advantage into the locker room.

"It's the East High culture," said Lomax, who has signed with Wichita State. "We just stay within each other, stay within our circle and ignore anything that doesn't have to do with the family."

The 6-11 Wiseman, ranked as the No. 1 player in the class of 2019 according to ESPN, led East with 15 points and eight rebounds. Lomax, playing in his fourth state tournament, added 14.

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas

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Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s (32) goes up for a shot as Blackman's Brandon Thomas (35) and Gabriel Martin (5) defend him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Blackman seniors Nathan Nelson(4), left and Trent Gibson (33) comfort each other as they trail to Memphis East in the final moments of the game in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Memphis East’s Alex Lomax (2) goes up for a shot during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Whitehaven's Simmie Jones (12) and Whitehaven's Latrell Carter (24) celebrate after a point during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Douglass's Devin Payne eyes the ball as he defends against a Clay County player during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

NortheastÕs Stephon Dougherty (23) grabs a rebound as Riverdale's Javontay Rollings (2) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Powell's Lance Davis (34) reacts after falling to Whitehaven during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Powell's Riley Bryant (1) dribbles down the court during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game against Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Douglass's Martico Washington (14) shoots over Clay County's Mason Sharp (24) during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Fans chat below the video board during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Clay County's Landen Woodcock falls to the floor as he's defended by Douglass's Jordan Smith and Devyn Payne during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, The Tennessean

Memphis East basketball coach Penny Hardaway watches during the Division l Class A playoff game between Clay County and Douglass at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

RiverdaleÕs Rashaad Thompson (21) goes up for a shot as Northeast's Quinton Cross (2) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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NortheastÕs Alec Kegler (24) goes up for a shot as Riverdale's Maliek McAllister (23) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Powell Head Coach Gary Barnes calls during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Fans sit in the stands during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Powell's Westin Reynolds (40) shoots the ball during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Powell's Desmond Billingsley (4), Whitehaven's Alvin Miles (3) and Powell's Westin Reynolds (40) reach for the rebound during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

RiverdaleÕs Shawn Morow (0) goes up for a shot as Northeast's Alec Kegler (24) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Powell's Joshua Woods (12) and Whitehaven's Marquavious Lobbins (20) battle for the ball during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

NortheastÕs Quinton Cross (2) passes the ball as Riverdale's Deron Perry (14) and Maliek McAllister (23) defend him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Douglass's Jordan Smith attempts to steal the ball from Clay County's Landen Woodcock during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Powell's Bruce Chapman (13) dribbles the ball during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

RiverdaleÕs Brayden Siren (35) blocks a shot made by Northeast's Quinton Cross (2) in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Powell's Caleb Tripp (32) looks for a way past the Whitehaven defense during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

A Blackman fan speaks on their cell phone while entering the arena at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Douglass's Devyn Payne (4) falls to the floor as he's defended by Clay County's Heath Kimes during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

A fan plays with their hair while watching from the stands at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Powell's Bruce Chapman (13) shoots the ball during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Powell and Whitehaven at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Memphis East’s head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway coaches from the sidelines during the game against Blackman in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Blackman’s Trent Gibson (33) brings the ball down the court during the game against Memphis East in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Blackman’s Trent Gibson (33) goes up for a shot as Memphis East's Malcom Dandridge (35) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Blackman’s Trent Gibson (33) goes up for a shot as Memphis East's James Wiseman (32) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Bearden's Shamarcus Brown (35) walks on the court during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Bearden and Mt. Juliet at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Douglass head coach Gregory Williams talks to Michael James during their Division l Class A playoff game against Clay County at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, The Tennessean

Douglass's Martico Washington shoots a free throw during their Division l Class A playoff game against Clay County at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Clay County head coach Rob Edwards talks to his team during their Division l Class A playoff game against Douglass at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) brings the ball down the court as Bearden's Jacques Glover (0) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt. Juliet's Will Pruitt (20) looks to pass during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Bearden and Mt. Juliet at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Mt. Juliet's Isaac Stephens (40) goes for a layup during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Bearden and Mt. Juliet at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Mt. Juliet's Isaac Stephens (40) goes for a layup during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Bearden and Mt. Juliet at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Mt. Juliet's Will Pruitt (20) looks to pass during a Division I Class AAA quarterfinals game between Bearden and Mt. Juliet at the TSSAA boys state basketball championships at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Clay County's Heath Kimes attempts to steal the ball from Douglass's Mortice Washington (14) during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Clay County's Gavin Silk (13) looks to pass as he's defended by Douglass's Martico Washington (14) and Jamari Crawford during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, The Tennessean

Clay County head coach Rob Edwards looks on with his players in the final seconds during their Division l Class A playoff game against Douglass at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Clay County's Heath Kimes passes the ball off as he's defended by Douglass's Devyn Payne and Jamari Crawford during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, The Tennessean

Douglass's Martico Washington shoots a free throw during their Division l Class A playoff game against Clay County at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Douglass's Antaivious Buford (3) leaps as he tries to block a pass from Clay County's Heath Kimes (3) during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, The Tennessean

Douglass's Martico Washington (14) keeps the ball from Clay County's Heath Kimes (3) during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Clay County's Heath Kimes (3) looks to pass as he's defended by Douglass's Terrance Calmera during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Douglass's Antaivious Buford (3) reacts to a call during their Division l Class A playoff game against Clay County at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Clay County's Landen Woodcock drives against Douglass's Martico Washington (14) during their Division l Class A playoff game at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tenn (Photo by Wade Payne, Special to the Tennessean) Wade Payne, For The Tennessean

Mt Juliet’s Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Trent Stephney (1) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Will Pruitt (20) and Bearden's Trent Stephney (1) fight for a loose ball during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Drew Pember (3) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Jacques Glover (0) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a 3-point-shot during the game against Bearden in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Bearden's head coach Jeremy Parrott watches from the sidelines of the game against Mt. Juliet during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet’s Gavin Wilson (3) passes the ball as Bearden's Drew Pember (3) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Isaac Stephens (40) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Justin Ketterl (44) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Drew Pember (3) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet’s Will Pruitt (20) reaches around Bearden's Roman Robinson (13) as he advances toward the basket during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet’s Will Pruitt (20) brings the ball down the court as Bearden's Trent Stephney (1) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) brings the ball down the court as Bearden's Jacques Glover (0) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU. HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet'’s head coach Troy Allen coaches from the sidelines during the game against Bearden in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Isaac Stephens (40) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Justin Ketterl (44) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Drew Pember (3) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet’s Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Trent Stephney (1) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Bearden's Shamarcus Brown (35) grabs a rebound as Mt Juliet's Bryan Aiken (23) and JC Crawford (5) go after the same ball during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet'’s head coach Troy Allen coaches from the sidelines during the game against Bearden in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Will Pruitt (20) and Bearden's Trent Stephney (1) fight for a loose ball during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Isaac Stephens (40) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Justin Ketterl (44) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Isaac Stephens (40) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Justin Ketterl (44) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Drew Pember (3) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Jacques Glover (0) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Mt Juliet's Jordan Lockridge (2) goes up for a 3-point-shot during the game against Bearden in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Bearden's head coach Jeremy Parrott watches from the sidelines of the game against Mt. Juliet during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
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Mt Juliet’s Gavin Wilson (3) passes the ball as Bearden's Drew Pember (3) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Isaac Stephens (40) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Justin Ketterl (44) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet’s Will Pruitt (20) reaches around Bearden's Roman Robinson (13) as he advances toward the basket during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet’s Will Pruitt (20) brings the ball down the court as Bearden's Trent Stephney (1) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Mt Juliet's Isaac Stephens (40) goes up for a shot as Bearden's Justin Ketterl (44) defends him during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ

Bearden's Shamarcus Brown (35) grabs a rebound as Mt Juliet's Bryan Aiken (23) and JC Crawford (5) go after the same ball during the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at MTSU.
HELEN COMER/DNJ